The prime minister said this Wednesday that the main goal of next year’s budget is to place Portugal in a safe haven from the current external shocks, maintaining economic growth and employment and reducing debt.
António Costa outlined this position at a meeting with PS deputies a day after the government presented the draft state budget for 2024, in a speech lasting about 25 minutes.
“We know very well what happens when debts start to grow, and what pressure countries are then subjected to. It is essential that we find ourselves in a safe harbor from external shocks,” he said at the end of his speech, hinting at Portugal’s goal next year to match or surpass Belgium’s debt weight in gross domestic product.
The PS Secretary General also mentioned the current external situation at the initial stage of his speech, when he tried to clarify the main strategic directions of the 2024 budget proposal.
The executive leader noted that next year, some of the major European economies will either be in recession or close to it, which will certainly create headwinds in terms of external demand and investment.
According to António Costa, Portugal must therefore “maintain the current high level of employment, which has been the key to the successful development of the Portuguese economy and economic growth.”
To this end, given the predictable external situation next year, and to maintain employment levels and some growth, “the pillars of the government budget are to strengthen revenues and investment,” especially government ones, he said.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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